The Gaslight Anthem
Pier 26
New York, NY
July 28

The third and final night of The Gaslight Anthem’s stint in NYC came to a close at Hudson River Park’s new venue, Pier 26 in Tribeca. A breathtaking view of the Hudson was the perfect backdrop for the hour and a half long set, which would be the band’s last in their area before embarking on the creation of their next record. “We’re gonna figure out who we are as old men,” joked Brian Fallon to the rain-soaked crowd, “But here’s to the beginning”.

The Gaslight Anthem hails from New Brunswick, NJ and first garnered some serious buzz with 2008’s, The ’59 Sound. Fans and critics alike were taken by the record’s seamless blend of eloquent storytelling and punk sensibility. The quartet quickly became the new poster boys for Jersey rock and Fallon was dubbed a hopeful successor to the garden state’s one and only Bruce Springsteen. He even had the Boss’ blessing and seemed to hold the title with grace, but heavy is the head that wears the crown.

By the time The Gaslight Anthem took the stage on the stormy summer night on the water, fans were eager to give their local boys a proper sendoff as they had done so many times before. The band didn’t waste any time with formalities or introductions and tore through eight songs back to back before even taking a breath. Songs off of 2012’s Handwritten, including the title track and “45” , were especially electric, as band members and fans alike sang every word at the tops of their lungs. The guitars were dirty, the drums were fast and Fallon’s voice growled with determination, as if to remind us all of the band’s unyielding effort to carve out their own place in rock history. At their best, they do a good job of proving themselves.

Still, Fallon’s connection to his fans is among the most compelling aspects of the band’s live show. The chemistry is undeniable and the line between fan and idol is always blurred if not completely erased. This exchange worked in the band’s favor for most of the evening. That is until the beginning of the encore, when, in an attempt to lead an innocent sing-along with the crowd, Fallon spurred a series of “Bruce” chants from his own fans. This is something the band has dealt with since they first emerged on the scene, yet Fallon chose this night, their final night at home, to take a stand.

After threatening to “pull an Axl Rose” and walk offstage, the band made it through their four song encore with Fallon barely acknowledging his fans. That night he took to the band’s tumblr page to address the incident in a post titled, “Tonight you have broken my heart.” He urged fans not to come to a show to see Bruce and asked for their support as they move forward in finding their “new legs.” That’s what happens when you open yourself up to fans; there is always the possibility that they can break your heart, but then they will be there at your next show singing right along with you.